US EditionSouth Africa steps up to host Wafcon as Morocco withdraws
- Following weekend remarks, Gayton McKenzie said the announcement was premature and issued a clarifying statement, contradicting Deputy Minister Peace Mabe's comments at Sunday's awards.
- Pointing to infrastructure and past experience hosting the 2010 men's World Cup, South Africa argued it could step in with little diversion from the March 17- April 3 schedule, supported by Africa.
- CAF officials stress Morocco remains the official host and any relocation would need CAF confirmation, South African government Cabinet processes, host cities and stadiums checks, and guarantees with SAFA.
- With 60 teams scheduled, preparations begin on Monday, Feb. 2, for WAFCON 2026 involving South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania in Group B.
- Longer term, officials note the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture will pursue a long-term hosting strategy to boost sport and tourism, while CAF continues contingency talks with Africa offering support if needed.
28 Articles
28 Articles
Less than two months from the launch of the African Cup of Women's Nations, uncertainty is hovering over the host country of the competition. Anticipated in Morocco, the women's CAN is the subject of persistent rumours about a possible change of location, fueled by contradictory statements by South African officials and the silence of the CAF.
South Africa NOT confirmed as new WAFCON hosts
South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture Gayton McKenzie has claimed Deputy Minister Peace Mabe's announcement that South Africa would replace Morocco as the hosts of this year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was premature.
It is a classic in the big competitions: the performances of the national teams sometimes provoke reactions that go beyond the sports frame. A phenomenon that is all the more true for the organizing country, which, at the end of this African Cup of Nations, looks closely at the reactions of public opinion and is already preparing the upcoming meetings.
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